Uship Carriers: Insured Or Not?

uShip is an online marketplace that connects people who need to transport items with third-party providers. uShip does not verify service provider insurance credentials, but federal law requires all motor carriers to carry basic liability insurance. uShip offers its own cargo insurance policy to customers, which provides coverage for physical loss or damage to cargo. This insurance is available for purchase at checkout and offers a faster payout than dealing with a provider's insurance company. uShip also has a Ship with Confidence guarantee that provides $500 for lost or damaged goods.

uShip doesn't verify service provider insurance credentials

UShip is an online marketplace that connects people who need to transport items with third-party carriers. It is important to note that uShip does not verify service provider insurance credentials. This means that it is the customer's responsibility to ensure that their chosen carrier has the appropriate insurance coverage.

While uShip does not verify insurance, it does offer its own cargo insurance policy through third-party partners. This insurance provides coverage for direct physical loss or damage to the cargo. It is available for purchase at checkout for most shipments being shipped by US-based customers. The premium depends on the insurance value input upon booking, with deductibles ranging from $50 to $700, depending on the type and value of the goods being shipped.

In addition to uShip's cargo insurance, transporters operating across state lines must have Motor Carrier (MC) and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) numbers. However, there may be noncompliant service providers on uShip who are not licensed to move goods legally across state lines. Therefore, it is essential for customers to ask about insurance and licensing before accepting a bid. uShip also uses SaferWatch, a third-party service, to monitor whether a carrier has an active or inactive insurance policy.

While uShip does not pre-qualify or validate the licenses of shipping companies, customers can use the platform to collect bids, read customer reviews, and select a transportation service provider that best suits their needs. It is recommended that customers research and ensure that carriers have the required USDOT and MC numbers before agreeing to work with them.

uShip offers shipping customers a cargo insurance policy through third-party partners

UShip is a shipping marketplace that connects customers with third-party carriers and shipping brokers. It does not verify the insurance credentials of these service providers. Therefore, it offers its own cargo insurance policy through third-party partners.

The uShip cargo insurance policy provides coverage for the direct physical loss or damage to the cargo. This means a faster payout directly to the customer, eliminating the hassle of dealing with the service provider's insurance company. This is unlike motor truck cargo or carrier's liability insurance, which only covers each item at 60 cents per pound.

The premiums for uShip's cargo insurance are set at $50, $250, $500, or $700, depending on the value of the items being shipped. There are minimum deductibles of $50, $250, $500, or $750, depending on the type and value of the goods being shipped. For instance, most new goods valued at up to $1,000 have a $50 deductible.

The cargo insurance policy does not cover high-value items, such as jewelry, watches, furs, antiques, or cash. It also does not cover used engines, motors, transmissions, live animals, or vehicles operated under their own power.

To file a claim, customers can log into their uShip account, click "File an Insurance Claim" within seven days of delivery, and follow the displayed steps.

All motor carriers must carry basic liability insurance under federal law

UShip is an online marketplace that connects people who need to transport items with third-party carriers. It is primarily a vehicle shipping company, but it also facilitates the transport of household items, heavy equipment, jacuzzis, and spas, and animals.

While uShip does not require third-party providers in its network to prove they have met federal insurance mandates, all motor carriers must carry basic liability insurance under federal law. This means that consumers must do their own research to ensure a carrier has, at a minimum, basic liability coverage (60 cents per pound for each item). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has an online search tool that allows consumers to validate a company's U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number, which is assigned to movers that meet all federal requirements for motor carriers, including liability coverage.

Motor carriers are required by federal regulations to carry minimum amounts of public liability insurance coverage for bodily injuries, property damage, or environmental restoration caused by carrier negligence. They are prohibited from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMV) until they have obtained and have in effect the minimum levels of coverage specified in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). Any person who knowingly violates the rules regarding motor carrier financial responsibility may be fined up to $11,000 for each violation.

Motor carriers of non-hazardous property, for example, must carry at least $750,000 of coverage for injuries caused to members of the public in accidents with for-hire CMV in interstate or foreign commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 10,000 or more pounds. Carriers of hazardous substances, as defined in 49 CFR § 171.8 or 173.403, in foreign, intra- or interstate commerce by for-hire or private CMV with a GVWR of 10,000 or more pounds must carry at least $5 million in coverage. Certain carriers of oil listed in 49 CFR § 172.101, and of certain hazardous waste, materials, or substances defined in 49 CFR § 171.8, must carry a minimum of $1 million in coverage.

Motor carriers must prove they have obtained the minimum levels of insurance required by law. Under Sections 29 and 30 of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 (MCA), such proof may be provided by an MCS-90 endorsement or a Motor Carrier Surety Bond for Public Liability.

uShip's cargo insurance provides coverage for physical loss or damage to cargo

UShip does not verify service provider insurance credentials. Therefore, it offers its customers cargo insurance through third-party partners. Unlike motor truck cargo or carrier's liability insurance, uShip's cargo insurance provides coverage for physical loss or damage to the cargo. This means that if an item is lost or damaged, the customer can get a payout directly from uShip, without having to deal with the service provider's insurance company.

The uShip Protection Plan offers all-risk, shipping protection at the time of booking. This includes coverage for damage incurred during auto transportation due to factors such as fire, theft, or accidents. The uShip Protection Plan can be purchased at checkout for added peace of mind and assurance.

UShip's cargo insurance policy functions much like full-value protection, which pays the total replacement value of lost or damaged items. Basic liability insurance, on the other hand, covers each item at 60 cents per pound. Premiums for uShip's cargo insurance are set at $50, $250, $500, or $700, depending on the value of the items being shipped. Most new items valued at up to $1,000 have a $50 deductible. Similar to traditional full-value moving coverage plans, uShip's cargo insurance policy does not cover high-value items such as jewelry, watches, furs, or antiques.

The 'Ship with Confidence' Guarantee covers only the items being shipped and customers must follow uShip's Safe Shipping Guide to be eligible. The guarantee compensates customers up to $500 in the rare case of damage or loss.

uShip's Protection Plan offers added peace of mind

UShip is a shipping marketplace that connects customers with independent carriers and shipping brokers. It does not verify service provider insurance credentials and therefore offers its own cargo insurance policy through third-party partners. This provides coverage for the direct physical loss or damage to cargo, meaning faster payouts directly to the customer and eliminating the hassle of dealing with the service provider's insurance company.

The uShip Protection Plan offers added peace of mind and assurance. It is an optional extra layer of protection that can be purchased at checkout. This is recommended if you are shipping valuable items, as basic liability insurance only covers each item at 60 cents per pound.

The uShip Protection Plan covers damage or loss during shipment and can be purchased when accepting a quote. You will have the opportunity to enter the value of your items and purchase extra protection. This is particularly useful if you are shipping a vehicle, as you can ensure the auto transporter has liability car shipping insurance and ask for written proof of coverage.

The uShip Protection Plan is also useful if you are shipping internationally. While insurance is not legally mandatory, it is advisable to obtain coverage to protect against potential damages.

The uShip Protection Plan is not the only option for extra coverage. For example, AmeriFreight offers gap coverage valued up to $2,000, available for a price range of $50 to $100.

UShip's cargo insurance premiums are set at $50, $250, $500, or $700, depending on the value of the items being shipped. Most new items valued at up to $1,000 have a $50 deductible.

It is important to note that uShip's cargo insurance does not cover high-value items such as jewelry, watches, furs, or antiques. There are also geographical limits to the coverage, with certain countries excluded entirely.

Frequently asked questions